About Mongolia

The land of the eternal blue sky

A country the size of Western Europe with fewer people than many single cities: steppe, desert, mountains and lakes, a nomadic way of life that is still lived, and a capital that holds half the nation.

Read: Mongolia facts

Mongolia at a glance

Capital: Ulaanbaatar
Area: About 1.56 million km², the world’s largest landlocked country after Kazakhstan
Population: About 3.5 million (2024), roughly half in Ulaanbaatar
Language: Mongolian, written in Cyrillic; the traditional vertical script is being revived
Currency: Mongolian tögrög (MNT)
Government: Parliamentary republic with a directly elected president
Provinces: 21 aimags plus the capital
Neighbours: Russia to the north, China to the south
Highest point: Khüiten Peak, 4,374 m, in the Altai Tavan Bogd range
Time zones: UTC+8; the far west uses UTC+7
Calling code: +976
National holiday: Naadam, 11–13 July

Figures are rounded. For current statistics see the National Statistics Office of Mongolia.

White felt gers on a vast green steppe under a clear blue sky, with horses grazing nearby

Mongolia Facts

Key Mongolia facts for travellers: area, population of about 3.5 million, capital, language, currency, time zone, climate and what surprises visitors.

3 min read

Sükhbaatar Square and the Government Palace with Ulaanbaatar's modern high-rises behind

Mongolia Capital: Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia: its history, top sights, getting around, winter air quality, easy day trips and practical tips for visitors.

3 min read

A herd of cashmere goats grazing on the Gobi steppe with mining facilities on the horizon

Mongolia Economy

An overview of Mongolia's economy: copper, coal and gold mining, herding and cashmere, tourism, key challenges and what it all means for travellers.

3 min read

Green steppe and a winding river with the snow-capped Altai Mountains in the distance, showing Mongolia's varied landscape

Mongolian Geography

Mongolian geography explained: the Altai, Khangai and Khentii ranges, Lake Khövsgöl, rivers, steppe, the Gobi Desert, the extreme climate and travel tips.

3 min read

A herd of Przewalski's horses (takhi) grazing on the steppe at Hustai National Park

Wildlife of Mongolia

Wildlife of Mongolia: snow leopards, Przewalski's horses, wild camels, Gobi bears, gazelles, eagles and taimen, plus where to see them responsibly.

3 min read

Keep exploring

History of Mongolia →From the Xiongnu to the Mongol Empire and the modern democracy.Places →Where to go, what to do and how to get there: regions, Ulaanbaatar, activities and experiences.Culture →Customs, religion, the ger, people, values and traditional arts.Food & Drink →Ceremonial dishes, dairy, seasonal eating and where to eat.Festivals →Naadam, Tsagaan Sar, the Golden Eagle Festival and the rest of the festival year.Plan Your Trip →When to go, visas, flights, money, health, connectivity, travel maps and an itinerary builder.